Palatability of angiotensin II antagonists among nephropathic children.

What is already known about this subject • Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence to therapeutic regimen. • Several studies have measured the palatability of antimicrobial suspensions in paediatric patients by means of a visual analogue scale palatability score. What this study adds • This is the first analysis comparing the taste and smell acceptability of angiotensin II receptor blockers among paediatric patients with kidney disease. • From the perspective of the child with kidney disease, the taste of pulverized candesartan is significantly superior to that of pulverized irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan. Aim Angiotensin II receptor blockers are widely prescribed in kidney disease. Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence. Methods Taste and smell acceptability of five angiotensin II receptor blockers were compared among 21 nephropathic children using a visual analogue scale palatability score. Results The score assigned to pulverized tablets of candesartan cilexetil was significantly higher than that assigned to pulverized tablets of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan and valsartan. Conclusions From the perspective of the nephropathic child, the taste of pulverized candesartan cilexetil is superior to that of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]